Split loading funnel for charging a molten glass gob into a blank mold

ABSTRACT

The disclosure includes a process and an apparatus for delivering a gob of molten glass into a blank mold. The apparatus includes a loading funnel holder that defines at least one opening, and a split loading funnel rotatably carried by the funnel holder. The split loading funnel includes two or more individual funnel segments that together provide an outlet of the funnel having an exit plane, each of the individual funnel segments having a lower portion that includes a concave interior guide surface. The two or more individual funnel segments are coupled together so that the interior guide surfaces of the individual funnel segments cooperate to define a guide passage extending along a longitudinal axis and terminating at the outlet.

The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus for glasswaremanufacturing and, more particularly, to loading funnels for charginggobs of molten glass to blank molds.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Loading funnels for delivering a gob of molten glass from a gob deliverysystem into a blank mold of an individual section glass containerforming machine are generally known in the art. One type of conventionalloading funnel includes a flared entrance section for receiving the gobfrom the gob delivery system and a tubular shaping section situateddownstream from the flared entrance section for shaping the gob andguiding it into the opening of the blank mold. The tubular shapingsection is generally smaller in cross-sectional area than the gob thatpasses through it. A U.S. patent that describes such a loading funnel isU.S. Pat. No. 5,917,106. Another conventional type of loading funnel isdescribed U.S. Pat. No. 3,672,860. Conventional loading funnels requireswabbing with a glass release coating.

A general object of the present disclosure, in accordance with oneaspect of the disclosure, may include providing a split loading funnelthat can deliver gobs of molten glass from a gob delivery system into analigned blank mold by way of a guide passage. The split loading funnelis formed from two or more funnel segments that may provide forvariability in the size and shape of the guide passage. This variabilitymay make accurate and gentle delivery of molten glass gobs to the blankmold less complex across a wide range of process variances and mayreduce or eliminate the need for swabbing. The present disclosureembodies a number of aspects that can be implemented separately from, orin combination with, each other.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, there is providedan apparatus for delivering a gob of molten glass into a blank mold. Theapparatus includes a loading funnel holder that defines at least oneopening, and a split loading funnel rotatably carried by the funnelholder. The split loading funnel includes two or more individual funnelsegments that together provide an outlet of the funnel having an exitplane, each of the individual funnel segments having a lower portionthat includes a concave interior guide surface. The two or moreindividual funnel segments are coupled together so that the interiorguide surfaces of the individual funnel segments cooperate to define aguide passage extending along a longitudinal axis and terminating at theoutlet.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the disclosure, there isprovided a process of delivering a gob of molten glass from a gobdelivery system to a blank mold. The process involves providing anapparatus that includes a split, rotatable, loading funnel carried by afunnel holder. The funnel has two or more individual funnel segments.Those segments are arranged relative to one another to cooperativelydefine a guide passage that has a longitudinal axis. The process alsoincludes locating the funnel above a mold cavity of a blank mold so thatthe guide passage of the funnel is vertically aligned with the moldcavity. Furthermore, the process includes delivering a gob of moltenglass from a deflector to the mold cavity through the guide passage ofthe funnel. The funnel is moved away from the mold cavity once the gobhas been introduced into the mold cavity for transformation into a glassparison as part of a glass container forming operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure, together with additional objects, features, advantagesand aspects thereof, will be best understood from the followingdescription, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a split loading funnel in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the split loading funnel shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the split loading funnel shown inFIG. 1 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the split loading funnelshown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a split loadingfunnel;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of yet another embodiment of a split loadingfunnel;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an apparatus for delivering a moltenglass gob from a gob delivery system into a blank mold of an individualsection glass forming machine in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of one of the split loadingfunnels depicted in the apparatus of shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the split loading funnel shown inFIG. 1 taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the depending legs of the funnelmount and the received vertical guides of the mounting blocks takenalong the line 10-10 in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of one of the deflectors depicted inthe gob delivery system illustrated in FIG. 7;

FIGS. 12A-12C are progressive cross-sectional views of one of the blankmolds shown in FIG. 7, and illustrating delivery of a gob to the moldand formation of the gob into a parison;

FIG. 13 is an exploded, fragmentary, perspective view of a funnel andfunnel holder according to another illustrative embodiment; and

FIG. 14 is a top view of the funnel and funnel holder of FIG. 13, asassembled together.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A split loading funnel for delivering a gob of molten glass from a gobdelivery system to a blank mold is disclosed. The split loading funnelmay include two or more individual funnel segments, and it may be partof a larger apparatus that includes a plurality of funnels—eitheradditional split loading funnels and/or conventional funnels—fordelivering multiple gobs to multiple blank molds. Constructing the splitloading funnel from multiple individual funnel segments introducesprocess flexibility that is generally not available in a conventionalsingle-piece loading funnel, as will be further explained below.

With reference to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a split loading funnel 10includes a first funnel segment 12 and a second funnel segment 14.Accordingly, the funnel 10 is circumferentially split along its lengthinto multiple segments 12, 14. The first funnel segment 12 has an upperportion 16 and a lower portion 18. Likewise, the second funnel segment14 has an upper portion 20 and a lower portion 22.

With reference to FIG. 2, the funnel segments 12, 14 additionallyinclude lateral flanges 24 extending from sides of the segments 12, 14,for example, at the bottom portions 18, 22. The lateral flanges 24 mayinclude holes 26 for carrying fasteners therethrough. Also, the firstfunnel segment 12 has a length L1 and the second funnel segment 14 has alength L2. The lengths L1, L2 of the funnel segments 12, 14 may, but donot have to, be the same, and may be about 10-12 inches in length or ofany other suitable length suitable for a given application.

The lower portions 18, 22 of the funnel segments 12, 14 have concaveinterior guide surfaces 28, 30. These surfaces 28, 30 can have anydesirable cross-sectional profile including, for example, semi-circular,triangular, frusto-conical, or rectangular, to name but a few. In anycase, the surfaces 28, 30 may establish an inscribed diameter throughwhich a glass gob falls.

With respect to FIG. 3, the upper portions 16, 20 of the funnel segments12, 14 have concave interior surfaces 32, 34 that are angled outwardlyrelative to the interior guide surfaces 28, 30 at the angle illustratedwithin plus or minus 5 degrees, or at any other suitable angle. Theupper portions 16, 20 typically constitute about 30-40% (e.g., about35%) of the length L1, L2 of the funnel segments 12, 14 while the lowerportions 18, 22 constitute the remaining portion of the length L1, L2.

The relative positioning of the funnel segments 12, 14 is arranged sothat the concave interior surfaces 32, 34 of the upper portions 16, 20provide an inlet 36 of the funnel 10 and the concave interior guidesurfaces 28, 30 of the lower portions 18, 22 face one another tocooperatively provide a guide passage 38 extending from the inlet 36 toan outlet 42. The inlet 36 has an entrance plane 44 and the outlet hasan exit plane 46, and the guide passage 38 has a longitudinal axis Lthat is generally co-linear with a flow direction of a molten glass gobG through the guide passage 38. The entrance plane 44 of the inlet 36,as shown here, preferably defines a cross-sectional area that is greaterthan a cross-sectional area of the guide passage 38. As used herein, thephrase “cross-sectional area” includes such areas extendingperpendicularly with respect to the axis L.

With respect to FIG. 2, the funnel segments 12, 14 are coupled togetherin this embodiment by mounting blocks 48, and fasteners 50, for example,screws, bolts, and/or nuts. Accordingly, the funnel 10 may becircumferentially split and includes the segments 12, 14, and the blocks48 for adjusting the segments 12, 14 with respect to each other. Theblocks 48 may be generally rectangular, which as used herein, mayinclude tapered surfaces such that the blocks may be somewhatwedge-shaped. The mounting blocks 48 are positioned between opposedconfronting lateral flanges 24 of the two funnel segments 12, 14. One ormore holes 52 are provided in opposed sides 54 of the blocks 48. Theseopposed sides 54 define a thickness T of the blocks 48. Accordingly,blocks 48 of different thicknesses can be used to change the inscribeddiameter of the funnels 10. The holes 52 in the opposed sides 54 arealigned with one or more of the holes 26 of their associated lateralflanges 24. The fasteners 50 are received through the holes 26 in thelateral flanges 24 and into corresponding holes 52 of the interposedblocks 48. The holes 52 may be threaded for threaded engagement with thefasteners 50, or may be through passages, or may be of any othersuitable configuration. The mounting blocks 48 further include radiallyoutwardly-facing mounting surfaces 56 extending between the two sidesurfaces 54. The outwardly-facing mounting surfaces 56 of the blocks 48include vertical tongues or guides 58 extending away from the mountingsurfaces 56, and vertical stops 60 extending away from the mountingsurfaces 56 and spaced above the guides 58.

The use of multiple funnel segments 12, 14 allows for the guide passage38 of the split loading funnel 10 to be adjustable in size and shape.The cross-sectional shape of the guide passage 38 can be determined bycoordinating the cross-sectional profiles of the facing interior guidesurfaces 28, 30 as desired.

In a first example, shown in FIG. 4, the cross-sectional shape of theguide passage 38 can be rendered ovular (e.g, elliptical) by employinginterior guide surfaces 28, 30 with semi-circular cross-sectionalprofiles. Also, because the segments 12, 14 are circumferentially spacedapart, there may be gaps 29 circumferentially therebetween and radiallyadjacent the blocks 48.

In a second example, shown in FIG. 5, another funnel 110 may have across-sectional area of a guide passage 138 rendered generallyrectangular by employing segments 112, 114 with interior guide surfaces128, 130 having semi-rectangular cross-sectional profiles. Othercross-sectional guide passage shapes are possible.

In a third example, shown in FIG. 6, another funnel 210 may have across-sectional shape of a guide passage 238 rendered asymmetric byemploying segments 112, 14 with interior guide surfaces 128, 30 thathave different cross-sectional profiles, such as one semi-circular andone semi-rectangular, as shown. Accordingly, the funnel 210 may have atleast two segments with opposed glass-contacting surfaces that are notmirror images of each other.

With respect to FIG. 2, the cross-sectional area of the guide passage 38can be determined by the structure of the blocks 48 used to secure thefunnel segments 12, 14 together. The thickness T of the blocks 48 setsthe spacing between the funnel segments 12, 14 which, in turn, meansthat the cross-sectional area of the guide passage 38 as defined by theinterior guide surfaces 28, 30 can be adjusted upwardly (thicker blocks)or downwardly (thinner blocks) within any suitable range by usingdifferent sized blocks 48. For example, blocks can be swapped out tochange the inscribed diameter from 1″ to 1¼″ and vice-versa, or to andfrom any other suitable sizes.

The cross-sectional area of the guide passage 38 can also be renderedconstant or variable. To achieve a constant sectional area down theguide passage 38, the blocks 48 can be provided with a uniformthickness. To achieve a variable sectional area down the guide passage38, on the other hand, the thicknesses T of the blocks 48 can be taperedin a longitudinal direction to change the angle of the interior guidesurfaces 28, 30 with respect to the longitudinal axis L. In anotherembodiment, the opposed confronting lateral flanges 24 of the two funnelsegments 12, 14 instead or in addition may be tapered. In any event, itis, therefore, possible to progressively decrease the cross-sectionalarea of the guide passage 38 from the entrance plane 44 of the inlet 36to the exit plane 46 of the outlet 42, or vice versa.

The cross-sectional area of the guide passage 38 may be at leastslightly larger than a corresponding cross-sectional area of the moltenglass gob G, for example as illustrated in FIG. 5. The cross-sectionalareas may be generally perpendicular to the direction of travel of thegob G at any given location of the gob G as it travels through thepassage 38. The larger-sized guide passage 38 is designed to accuratelyand gently guide the glass gob G into a bottom of a blank mold withoutthe gob G contacting narrow portions of the mold and yet providing sometolerance for the gob G to grow, distort, or wiggle. The difference insize may be like that illustrated in FIG. 3, or of any other suitabledifference.

Sizing the cross-sectional area of the guide passage 38 asjust-described can help avoid certain problems commonly encountered withsingle-piece loading funnels. The limited ability to tolerate positivevariances in the corresponding cross-sectional area of the gob G (i.e.,gob growth) is one notable problem that may arise if the cross-sectionalarea of the guide passage of a single-piece loading funnel is the samesize or smaller than the corresponding cross-sectional area of the gobG. Under such circumstances, the gob G would drag against the guidesurface(s) of the guide passage, causing that surface to heat up. Theheating of the guide surface(s) would exacerbate the drag forces andincrease the probability that the guide passage would become plugged. Ifthe guide passage became plugged, then maintenance must be performed tounplug the passage, which is labor-intensive and adversely affectsmanufacturing efficiency.

Sizing the cross-sectional area of the guide passage 38 to be largerthan the corresponding cross-sectional area of the molten glass gob Galso reduces or altogether eliminates the need to apply a lubricant tothe interior guide surfaces 28, 30. A lubricant such as oil hasconventionally been injected or swabbed periodically into a tubularguide passage of a single-piece loading funnel to alleviate gob drag andcool the guide passage surfaces. While the oil is helpful to someextent, it does not completely solve the gob plugging problem and has atendency to create smoke around the working environment. It also addscomplexity and expense to the gob loading process. Specifically allowingextra room for the gob G to grow and distort in the guide passage 38 ofthe split loading funnel 10 reduces the adverse effects associated withgob drag and generally makes the use of oil unnecessary.

Still further, the adjustability of the guide passage 38 allowsselective orientation of the interior guide surfaces 28, 30 with the gobG. This can be helpful in dealing with recurring variances in thetrajectory of the gob G as it travels from an exit of the deflector 108(FIG. 7) to an entrance of a blank mold. It has been observed, forexample, that that the trajectory of the gob G oftentimes varies morepredominantly in one particular direction as it leaves the gob deliverysystem, as will be more fully explained below. For example, if the gob Ghas any horizontal velocity as it enters the blank mold, then it willhit the side of a cavity of the mold as it loads. Such interference maycause downstream quality concerns and may require the blank mold to beswabbed to mitigate or avoid such concerns. To accommodate thisrecurring variance in gob trajectory, the cross-sectional area of theguide passage 38 can be appropriately chosen and then oriented relativeto the expected trajectory path of the gob G to more tightly control thedirection in which trajectory variances are most commonly encountered.The guide passage 38 is preferably oriented so that the interior guidesurfaces 28, 30 are perpendicular to the direction in which gobtrajectory variances are anticipated.

The first and second funnel segments 12, 14 are preferably investmentcast from steel, for example, stainless steel and, more specificallyType 304L stainless. The precise cross-sectional profile and generalshape of the interior guide surfaces 28, 30 are derived from CNC(computer numerical control) milling machines or some other suitablepart forming technique. The interior guide surfaces 28, 30 may also beheat treated with a line-of-sight heat treatment procedure such asplasma vapor deposition (PVD). Having full access to the interior guidesurfaces 28, 30—something that is not generally available with asingle-piece loading funnel—makes a wide range of precision milling andheat-treatment procedures, like those just mentioned, practical andavailable for preparing the interior guide surfaces 28, 30. The abilityof the split loading funnel 10 to assume a multitude of sizes and shapesfor the guide passage 38 also means that different sized loading funnelsdo not have to be stocked and maintained.

FIG. 7 depicts an apparatus 62 for delivering molten glass gobs G from agob delivery system 64 into blank molds 66 of an individual sectionglass forming machine. The apparatus 62 delivers the gobs G into theblank molds 66 via one or more of the split loading funnels 10 describedabove. Other embodiments of the apparatus 62 can, of course, includemore or less than the illustrated three split loading funnels and caneven include one or more conventional single-piece loading funnels incombination with one or more of the split loading funnels 10. Theapparatus 62 includes a funnel holder 72 that is configured to hold thethree split loading funnels 10 in a vertically-aligned position abovemold cavities of one or more corresponding blank molds 66.

Referring now to FIG. 8, the funnel holder 72 includes a body 74 thatdefines one or more circular openings 76. An axially extendingcylindrical portion or radial ledge 78 having a top surface 80 ispreferably disposed about the circumference of each opening 76. The body74 further includes one or more radially extending portions or bearingflanges 82 that operatively connect the body 74 to one or more bearingarms 84, shown in FIG. 7, that can be actuated to reciprocally move thebody 74—and thus the split loading funnels 10 held by the body 74—up ordown in the vertical direction and/or to swing the body 74 in a planegenerally transverse to that direction. The term “vertical direction” asused here refers to a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L ofthe guide passages 38 of the split loading funnels 10. The funnel holder72 also includes one or more set screws 75 that may extend radiallythrough the flange 82.

With continuing reference to FIG. 8, a funnel mount 86 may be rotatablyreceived in a corresponding opening 76 of the funnel holder 72. Thefunnel mount 86 has a circular frame 88 that fits within the opening 76defined in the holder body 74 and a pair of opposed, spaced apart legs90 depending from the frame 88. The circular frame 88 includes an uppercircumferential lip 91 that has a bottom surface 92 that mates with thetop surface 80 of the ledge 78. The two mating surfaces 80, 92 preventthe funnel mount 86 from falling through the opening 76 in the body 74but do not prevent rotation of the funnel mount 86 relative to the body74. The frame 88 may include circumferentially extending reliefs 89 in aradially outward surface thereof to accept the set screws 75. Theopposed legs 90 that depend from the circular frame 88 include ashoulder 94 and pair of elongated ridges 96 that define a verticalgroove 98 extending downwardly from the shoulder 94 (FIG. 9).

With respect to FIG. 9, the split loading funnel 10 is carried by thefunnel holder 72, for example, by being received in the funnel mount 86.Here, in this embodiment, the protruding vertical guides 58 of theblocks 48 are registered and slid vertically downward within with thevertical grooves 98 of the depending legs 90 of the funnel mount 86until the stops 60 of the blocks 48 engage the horizontal shoulders 94,as shown in FIG. 9.

With reference to FIG. 1, when so received, the inlet 36 of the splitloading funnel 10 is positioned above the funnel holder 72, the outlet42 of the split loading funnel 10 is positioned below the funnel holder72, and any rotation of the funnel mount 86 relative to the funnelholder 72 will also correspondingly rotate the split loading funnel 10relative to the funnel holder 72 by substantially the same amount.

Indeed, to help achieve accurate rotation of the split loading funnel 10as needed to properly orient the guide passage 38 with the trajectorypath of a gob being introduced from the gob delivery system 64 (FIG. 7),a top surface 102 of the upper circumferential lip 91 of the funnelmount 86 may include an indicator 104 (e.g., a notch, indicia, or anyother suitable feature) that can be indexed to correspondingregistration indicators 106 located on the funnel holder 72, forexample, circumferentially spaced apart around the flange 82. Once thefunnel mount 86 is located in a desired position with respect to thefunnel holder 72, the set screws 75 can be used to secure the funnelmount 86 to the funnel holder 72.

The funnel mount 86 may serve a variety of purposes. First, as justdescribed, it facilitates indexed rotation of the split loading funnel10 so that the guide passage 38 can be oriented to accommodateanticipated variances in the trajectory path of the gob G. Second, thefunnel mount 86 offers a simple and convenient way to load and unloadthe split loading funnels 10. If the funnel 10 happens to become pluggedor needs to be removed for any reason, such as if the funnel 10 needs tobe substituted for another sized/shaped funnel 10, the funnel 10currently in use can simply be lifted out of the funnel mount 86 andreplaced with another one independently from the other funnels 10 heldby the funnel holder 72.

Referring back to FIG. 7, operation of the apparatus 62 involvespositioning the funnel holder 72 with respect to the blank molds 66 sothat the outlets 42 (FIG. 1) of the guide passages 38 of the three splitloading funnels 10 are aligned with, and inserted partially into, themolds 66. Gobs G of molten glass are delivered from the gob deliverysystem 64 to the guide passages 38 of the split loading funnels 10. Thegobs G are formed in known fashion by shearing a stream of molten glassas it exits the forehearth of a glass furnace (not shown). Deflectors108 are arranged at the end of the gob delivery system 64 incorrespondence with the split loading funnels 10 to direct the gobs Gvertically into the funnels 10 by way of chutes 110.

With reference to FIG. 11, the chutes 110 have bases 112 and side walls114 extending outwardly from the bases 112. The side walls 114 may bedisposed at a non-zero open angle with respect to a chute axis C. Forexample, the side walls 114 may be disposed at a 10-14 degree (e.g. 12degree) included angle with respect to the axis C. Dimension A, whichextends between the parallel side walls 114, is typically referred to asthe side-to-side direction. Dimension B, which extends perpendicular tothe side-to-side direction A, is typically referred to the in-outdirection.

With reference to FIG. 7, the guide passages 38 of the split loadingfunnels 10 are preferably indexed to the chutes 110 of the deflectors108. Such indexing is accomplished by rotating the split loading funnels10 via rotation of the funnel mounts 86 so that the interior guidesurfaces 28, 30 of the guide passage 38 are perpendicular to the in-outdirection B. Indexing the split loading funnels 10 in this way allowsvariances in the gob trajectory path, which have been found to be morepronounced in the in-out direction B than in the side-to-side directionA, to be more tightly controlled upon entry of the gob G into the guidepassage 38.

The gobs G of molten glass enter the guide passages 38 at the inlets 36and pass through the guide passages 38 along their longitudinal axes L.The gobs G are gently guided through the guide passages 38 and havespare room to grow, distort, wiggle, etc., and eventually exit the guidepassages 38 through the outlets 42 (FIG. 1).

With reference to FIGS. 12A-12C, the blank molds 66 may include moldhalves 66 a, 66 b that, when closed, define a mold cavity 68. Uponexiting the funnels 10, the gobs G fall into mold cavities 68 of theblank molds 66, past baffle matches 69 and past waists 70 withouttouching same. The previously discussed inscribed diameters of thefunnels 10 are preferably smaller than the corresponding diameter of thewaists 70. The split loading funnels 10 are then retracted out of themold cavities 68. Next, baffles 116 (FIG. 12B) are brought into registrywith the mold cavities 68 to close them, and the gobs G are formed intoparisons P (FIG. 12C) by the press-and-blow method, the blow-and-blowmethod, or some other suitable method, as is generally known in the art.Once the parison P is formed, the baffles 116 (FIG. 12B) are removed,the blank molds 66 are opened, the parisons P are taken to anotherportion of the individual section machine, the split loading funnels 10are brought back into inserted alignment with the mold cavities 68, andthe process repeats itself.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate another illustrative embodiment of a splitloading funnel 210. This embodiment is similar in many respects to theembodiment of FIGS. 1-12C and like numerals between the embodimentsgenerally designate like or corresponding elements throughout theseveral views of the drawing figures. Accordingly, the descriptions ofthe embodiments are hereby incorporated into one another, anddescription of subject matter common to the embodiments generally maynot be repeated.

With reference to FIG. 13, the split loading funnel 210 includes a firstfunnel segment 212 and a second funnel segment 214. The first funnelsegment 212 has an upper portion 216 and a lower portion 218, and thesecond funnel segment 214 has an upper portion 220 and a lower portion222. The funnel segments 212, 214 additionally include lateral flanges224 extending from sides of the segments 212, 214. The lateral flanges224 may carry fasteners 50 therethrough.

The funnel segments 212, 214 are coupled together in this embodiment bymounting blocks 248, and the fasteners 50. Accordingly, the funnel 210includes the segments 212, 214, and the blocks 248 for adjusting thesegments 212, 214 with respect to each other. The blocks 248 may begenerally T-shaped, as illustrated, or may be of any other suitableshape(s). The mounting blocks 248 may include generally rectangularportions 253 positioned between the opposed confronting lateral flanges224 of the two funnel segments 212, 214, and semi-cylindrical portions257 extending from radially outward ends of the rectangular portions 253and that may axially and circumferentially overlap the flanges 224.Either or both of the rectangular portions 253 or the flanges 224 mayhave surfaces tapered in a longitudinal direction to change the angle ofinterior guide surfaces of the funnel 210 with respect to itslongitudinal axis. The mounting blocks 248 further includesemi-cylindrical, radially outwardly-facing mounting surfaces 256extending between side surfaces 254. The outwardly-facing mountingsurfaces 256 of the blocks 248 may include axially extending reliefs 258that may be used as locating features or for any other suitable purpose.

With reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, the funnel 210 may be carried by afunnel holder 272 that includes a body 274 defining one or more circularpassages or openings 276. The body 274 includes a radially inwardlyextending ledge 278 disposed about the circumference of the opening 276adjacent a bottom end of the body 274 and having a top surface 280. Thefunnel 210 may be carried in the opening 276 such that axially facinglocating surfaces 292 (FIG. 13) of the semi-cylindrical portions 257 ofthe blocks 248 locate against the top surface 280 of the ledge 278.Also, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the mounting surfaces 256 may belocated against an interior cylindrical surface 277 of the funnel holderbody 274, wherein the funnel 210 is rotatable within the body 274.Although not illustrated, the funnel holder 272 may include set screwsor any other suitable locating features to cooperate with the reliefs258 (FIG. 13) to set the funnel 210 in any desired location.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a process fordelivering a gob of molten glass from a gob delivery system to a blankmold. The process includes providing an apparatus that includes a split,rotatable, loading funnel carried by a funnel holder and having two ormore individual funnel segments that are arranged relative to oneanother to cooperatively define a guide passage having a longitudinalaxis. The process also includes locating the split loading funnel abovea mold cavity of a blank mold so that the guide passage is verticallyaligned with the mold cavity. The process further includes delivering agob of molten glass from a deflector to the mold cavity through theguide passage of the split loading funnel, the deflector having a chutethat includes a base and two side walls extending outwardly from thebase. The process additionally includes moving the split loading funnelaway from the mold cavity after the gob of molten glass has beenintroduced to the mold cavity.

There thus has been disclosed a split loading funnel and an apparatusand process for delivering a gob of molten glass to a blank mold thatfully satisfies one or more of the objects and aims previously setforth. The disclosure has been presented in conjunction with severalillustrative embodiments, and additional modifications and variationshave been discussed. Other modifications and variations readily willsuggest themselves to persons of ordinary skill in the art in view ofthe foregoing discussion. For example, the subject matter of each of theembodiments is hereby incorporated by reference into each of the otherembodiments, for expedience. The disclosure is intended to embrace allsuch modifications and variations as fall within the spirit and broadscope of the appended claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for delivering a gob of moltenglass into a blank mold, the apparatus including: a loading funnelholder having a body that defines at least one opening; and a splitloading funnel rotatably carried by the body of the funnel holder andextending through the at least one opening, the split loading funnelcomprising two or more individual funnel segments that together providean inlet to the funnel having an entrance plane and an outlet of thefunnel having an exit plane, each of the individual funnel segmentshaving a lower portion that includes a concave interior guide surface,the two or more individual funnel segments being coupled together sothat the concave interior guide surfaces of the individual funnelsegments cooperate to define a guide passage extending along alongitudinal axis and terminating at the outlet.
 2. The apparatus setforth in claim 1, further comprising a funnel mount rotatably receivedin the at least one opening of the loading funnel holder to rotatablymount the funnel to the funnel holder, wherein the funnel mount includesa circular frame and two opposed, spaced apart legs depending from thecircular frame, each of the two opposed legs having a shoulder and apair of elongated ridges that define a vertical groove extendingdownward from the shoulder.
 3. The apparatus set forth in claim 2,wherein the split loading funnel comprises: a first funnel segment thatincludes a lower portion and a lateral flange extending from each sideof the lower portion, wherein the lower portion of the first funnelsegment has a first concave interior guide surface; a second funnelsegment that includes a lower portion and a lateral flange extendingfrom each side of the lower portion, wherein the lower portion of thesecond funnel segment has a second concave interior guide surface; apair of mounting blocks, one of the mounting blocks securing one of thelateral flanges extending from the lower portion of the first funnelsegment to one of the lateral flanges extending from the lower portionof the second funnel segment, and the other of the mounting blockssecuring the other lateral flange extending from the lower portion ofthe first funnel segment to the other lateral flange extending from thelower portion of the second funnel segment, and wherein each of themounting blocks has a protruding vertical guide and a protrudinghorizontal stop located above the guide, the protruding vertical guidesof the mounting blocks being received in the vertical grooves of thedepending legs of the funnel mount such that the stops of the mountingblocks rest against the shoulders of the depending legs.
 4. Theapparatus set forth in claim 3, wherein the mounting blocks are taperedto angle the first and second interior guide surfaces towards oneanother so that a cross-sectional area of the guide passageprogressively decreases down the longitudinal axis towards the exit. 5.The apparatus set forth in claim 3, wherein a cross-sectional profile ofthe first concave interior guide surface and a cross-sectional profileof the second concave interior guide surface are the same.
 6. Theapparatus set forth in claim 3, wherein a cross-sectional profile of thefirst concave interior guide surface and a cross-sectional profile ofthe second concave interior guide surface are different.
 7. Theapparatus set forth in claim 1, wherein the loading funnel holderincludes a body that defines the at least one opening, the body of theloading funnel holder having a radially inwardly extending ledgedisposed about a circumference of the at least one opening, the radiallyinwardly extending ledge having a top surface.
 8. The apparatus setforth in claim 7, wherein the split loading funnel comprises: a firstfunnel segment that includes a lower portion and a lateral flangeextending from each side of the lower portion, wherein the lower portionof the first funnel segment has a first concave interior guide surface;a second funnel segment that includes a lower portion and a lateralflange extending from each side of the lower portion, wherein the lowerportion of the second funnel segment has a second concave interior guidesurface; and a pair of mounting blocks, one of the mounting blockssecuring one of the lateral flanges extending from the lower portion ofthe first funnel segment to one of the lateral flanges extending fromthe lower portion of the second funnel segment, and the other of themounting blocks securing the other lateral flange extending from thelower portion of the first funnel segment to the other lateral flangeextending from the lower portion of the second funnel segment, andwherein each of the mounting blocks includes a generally rectangularportion positioned between the opposed confronting lateral flanges ofthe funnel segments and a semi-cylindrical portion extending from aradially outward end of the rectangular portion, the semi-cylindricalportion of each mounting block having an axially facing locating surfacelocated against the top surface of the radially inwardly extending ledgeof the body of the funnel holder.
 9. The apparatus set forth in claim 8,wherein the mounting blocks are tapered to angle the first and secondinterior guide surfaces towards one another so that a cross-sectionalarea of the guide passage progressively decreases down the longitudinalaxis towards the exit.
 10. The apparatus set forth in claim 8, wherein across-sectional profile of the first concave interior guide surface anda cross-sectional profile of the second concave interior guide surfaceare different.
 11. A process for delivering a gob of molten glass from agob delivery system to a blank mold, the process comprising: providingan apparatus that includes a split, rotatable, loading funnel carried bya funnel holder and having two or more individual funnel segments thatare arranged relative to one another to cooperatively define a guidepassage having a longitudinal axis; locating the funnel above a moldcavity of a blank mold so that the guide passage is vertically alignedwith the mold cavity; delivering a gob of molten glass from a deflectorto the mold cavity through the guide passage of the funnel, thedeflector having a chute that includes a base and two side wallsextending outwardly from the base; and moving the funnel away from themold cavity after the gob of molten glass has been introduced to themold cavity.
 12. The process set forth in claim 11, further comprising:rotating the funnel to index the guide passage of the funnel relative tothe chute of the deflector.
 13. The process set forth in claim 12,wherein the loading funnel comprises a first individual funnel segmenthaving a first concave interior guide surface and a second individualfunnel segment having a second concave interior guide surface, the firstand second concave interior guide surfaces facing one another tocooperatively define the guide passage.
 14. The process set forth inclaim 13, wherein rotating the loading funnel comprises indexing thefunnel so that the first and second concave interior guide surfaces ofthe loading funnel are perpendicular to an in-out direction of thechute, the in-out direction of the chute being perpendicular to aside-to-side direction that extends between the two side walls of thechute.
 15. The process set forth in claim 11, wherein the loading funnelis received in a loading funnel mount that is rotatably received withinan opening defined in a body of the funnel holder.
 16. An apparatus fordelivering a gob of molten glass into a blank mold, the apparatusincluding: a loading funnel holder having a body that defines at leastone opening; a split loading funnel rotatably carried by the body of thefunnel holder and extending through the at least one opening, the splitloading funnel comprising two or more individual funnel segments thattogether provide an inlet to the funnel having an entrance plane and anoutlet of the funnel having an exit plane, each of the individual funnelsegments having a lower portion that includes an interior guide surface,wherein the interior guide surfaces of the two or more individual funnelsegments cooperate to define a guide passage extending along alongitudinal axis and terminating at the outlet, and wherein the inletto the funnel is positioned above the loading funnel holder and theoutlet of the funnel is positioned below the loading funnel holder whenthe funnel is carried by the loading funnel holder.
 17. The apparatusset forth in claim 16, further comprising: a funnel mount rotatablyreceived in the at least one opening of the loading funnel holder, thefunnel mount having a frame that includes an upper circumferential lip,wherein a bottom surface of the upper circumferential lip mates with atop surface of a radial ledge of the loading funnel holder when thefunnel mount is rotatably received in the at least one opening of theloading funnel holder, and wherein the split loading funnel is receivedin funnel mount.
 18. The apparatus set forth in claim 17, wherein thefunnel mount includes two opposed, spaced apart legs depending from theframe, each of the two opposed legs having a shoulder and a pair ofelongated ridges that define a vertical groove extending downward fromthe shoulder, and wherein the two or more individual funnel segmentsthat comprise the split loading funnel are coupled together by mountingblocks, one of the mounting blocks having a protruding vertical guidethat is received in the vertical groove of one of the opposed legsdepending from the frame of the funnel mount, and another of themounting blocks having a protruding vertical guide that is received inthe vertical groove of the other of the opposed legs depending from theframe of the funnel mount.
 19. The apparatus set forth in claim 16,wherein the body of the loading funnel holder includes a radiallyinwardly extending ledge within and disposed about a circumference ofthe at least one opening, the radially inwardly extending ledge having atop surface, and wherein the two or more individual funnel segments thatcomprise the split loading funnel are coupled together by mountingblocks, one of the mounting blocks having a semi-cylindrical portionwith an axial facing locating surface located against the top surface ofthe radially inwardly extending ledge of the body of the funnel holder,and another of the mounting blocks having a having a semi-cylindricalportion with an axial facing locating surface located against the topsurface of the radially inwardly extending ledge of the body of thefunnel holder.